Communications Manager

Communications Manager - Internal Communications

Hybrid - 3 days per week on site to include travel to other SYNLAB locations when required

Job Overview

Reporting to the Communications & Marketing Director, the Internal Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening employee engagement across SYNLAB UK. As part of a collaborative team of nine communications professionals, you will lead the development and delivery of impactful internal communications that inspire, connect and engage colleagues across our four UK hospital partnerships.

Managing two direct reports, you will build and nurture a strong SYNLAB community, ensuring employees understand and connect with the organisation’s strategy, objectives and values, and recognise the vital role they play in our success. Working closely with senior leaders and managers, you will act as a trusted communications advisor, providing strategic counsel while remaining hands-on in creating and delivering high-quality, engaging communications that resonate with diverse audiences.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional who can align internal and external narratives, influence stakeholders at all levels, and create standout communication initiatives that drive engagement, understanding and organisational performance.

This role is based at our Blackfriars Hub in London and you will be required to work on site 3 days per week to include some travel to other SYNLAB locations when required to meet the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive team in maintaining a regular drumbeat of activity to improve visibility and consistency of message across the 3,000+ people within SYNLAB UK&I HQ and our four hospital businesses.
• Ensure this activity is strategically aligned, people centric and outcome focused, delivered using a mix of traditional channels as well as the latest digital tools.
• Act as air traffic controller for leadership stories and people initiatives, ensuring that the right comms happens at the right time, in the right way, raising the bar for how our leaders communicate with their teams.
• Utilise your exceptional writing skills to set standards for your team by ensuring every message is tailored for its end audience and delivery channel.
• Be a key player in any issues management among internal audiences, working closely with the wider Communications and People teams. Such issues can include Industrial Action, business transformation, executive changes or threats to day to day operations.
• Use measurement tools and data to evaluate the effectiveness of leadership communication and improve future narrative and activity.
• Bring a strong commercial understanding, comfort with being flexible as priorities shift and the ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders simultaneously.

Essential Criteria

• A level English language or equivalent
• Extensive experience at manager level within an HR or Corporate Communications function at a national or global corporate entity, with direct reports.
• Familiarity and comfort with managing a varied and intense workload, at pace.
• Proven track record of developing high impact employee communications programmes.
• Ability to identify and analyse business and audience needs to deliver messages via the most appropriate mix of channels
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to write content for a range of stakeholders, with little oversight or input, including intranet and email content, executive talking points, HR updates, business updates etc.
• Rigorous attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• Excellent IT skills with good experience of MS Office 365 Suite particularly Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and MS Teams

Desirable Criteria

• Educated to degree level (communications or marketing related subject)
• Membership of a professional body e.g. IOIC or CIPR
• Communications or PR agency experience
• Experience of matrix working
• Familiarity with email platforms such as DotDigital

About SYNLAB

SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services. We thrive in diverse environments, which is mirrored in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities, and partners. We believe that an inclusive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining talented individuals, and for building a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

Our staff are crucial to our mission of making a positive impact on healthcare. We foster a culture of continuous personal development, providing scientists and staff with the support and resources needed to acquire new skills and advance their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching, and clear career pathways.

We encourage an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models, facilitate two-way communication, engage transparently with staff and stakeholders, and actively seek feedback and suggestions.